Peter Debney Uncontested scrums could become a blight on Wairarapa-Bush premier division club rugby matches this season.
Referees may have to impose the "no push" rule on a regular basis if the current shortage of specialist front row forwards being experienced by most clubs remains a problem.
Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Referees Association secretary Peter Debney, who is also a member of NZRFU's laws panel, said the safety of players always had to be paramount for referees, and if they had any doubts about the ability of a player going into the front row handling that situation, then uncontested scrums became an option.
"The referee has to make that call and if they think the safety of any player could be compromised, they will have no hesitation in doing so," Debney said.
He also added that Wairarapa-Bush were fortunate that those referees who officiated at the top club level had the experience and knowledge to make good decisions.